Political Maverick or Opportunist? The Real Story Behind Koizumi’s Leadership Push

Money and Politics Scandal Resurfaces? Shinjirō Koizumi’s Latest Controversial Moves

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership election is lacking excitement, with no clear reform agenda or distinctive policies from the candidates.

The issue of money and politics has persisted for over a year, beginning with the failure to report income from factional political fundraising parties. Public distrust remains unresolved, and this leadership election has adopted the theme of a low-cost campaign in light of the ongoing scandals.
Against this backdrop, the party’s Election Management Committee has established eight prohibitions, continuing from the previous year:

(1) Distributing books, calligraphy, or other goods
(2) Sending written materials by mail or other means
(3) Posting paid advertisements on the internet
(4) Conducting telephone campaigns using auto-call systems
(5) Any other acts that involve spending money
(6) Using the party’s official newspaper Jiyū Minshu (Personal Edition) for campaigning
(7) Local party chapters supporting specific candidates
(8) Collecting ballots (return postcards)

Although these prohibitions were set, the leadership election is an internal LDP affair and not subject to the Public Offices Election Act. There are no penalties for violations. As Election Committee Chairman Ichiro Aisawa (71) stated, the system relies on the good judgment of each camp.

In the previous leadership race, Sanae Takaichi (64), former Minister for Economic Security, was found to have mailed leaflets outlining her policies to party members nationwide. This violated rule ② sending written materials by mail or other means, prompting criticism from other camps. Takaichi explained that the mailings were sent before the rules were finalized, and she was only given a warning.

A staff member from Takaichi’s team, who had been cautioned last time, said, “Reflecting on the last election, we’re being thorough about not spending money.” They added:

“Following the directive not to spend money, we used A4 color copies stapled together for our policy flyers. Other candidates did about the same—simple A4 sheets with a photo. So we were stunned to see Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (44) using a professionally printed leaflet. That clearly violates the rule against other acts that involve spending money.”

At his candidacy announcement on the 20th, Koizumi distributed these leaflets to the press. While others used basic A4 flyers, his photo-printed leaflet clearly showed he had spent money.

Moreover, while other candidates held their press conferences at venues within the House of Representatives First Members’ Office Building, Koizumi held his announcement at a private rental conference room in Toranomon, Tokyo—costing 55,000 yen. Since his event was delayed and held on a Saturday, that may explain the venue choice, but it still highlights a more lavish approach.

When asked directly about the situation, his response was shocking!

Furthermore, at the candidacy announcement on the 20th, what our magazine’s reporter witnessed was the presence of advanced professional broadcasting equipment and staff expertly operating it, as shown in the photo.

At Shinjiro Koizumi’s campaign kickoff event held inside the Diet Members’ Office Building on the 22nd, the number of staff increased from one to two, and the event was broadcast using high-end professional equipment. When photos of the event were shown to a Tokyo-based streaming company, they offered the following analysis:

“They’re using wireless microphones, a 22-channel mixer, and switching between four cameras. You can also see antennas set up to ensure a stable network connection. It’s clear this was outsourced to a professional streaming company.

They’re probably under contract for the entire leadership election period, but even for just the kickoff event, the going rate for the cameras, equipment, and two operators would be around 250,000 to 300,000 yen. The press announcement alone would cost about 200,000 yen for the camera, gear, and operator. I’ve watched Takaichi’s campaign videos, and they look homemade. The difference in production quality between hers and Koizumi’s is night and day.”

Around Koizumi, there also appeared to be staff believed to form his social media team. And now that Shinnosuke Fujikawa, known as the “God of Elections,” has passed away, the man who has taken that mantle — campaign strategist Kaoru Matsuda, nicknamed the election-winning mastermind — was seen stationed with the streaming crew at the event on the 22nd.

“Each camp may have a different understanding of what it means to not spend money, but while most rely on secretaries filming videos on their phones, hiring professional videographers is another matter. He’s also the only candidate distributing printed leaflets. Given Koizumi’s already high name recognition, spending this much money gives him a clear advantage in the race,” said one campaign staff member.

When contacted for comment, Koizumi’s camp responded:

“We are also making every effort to conduct a low-cost campaign. The flyers distributed to party members are even cheaper than the color copies you referred to. Many people are helping us on a volunteer basis. The press conference was held on a Saturday because we prioritized official duties, and therefore could not use the meeting rooms in the Members’ Office Building. To ensure stable streaming on our official YouTube channel, we did ask professionals for technical support. All expenses related to the leadership election will be properly reported in our political funding reports.

Inaccurate reporting on the leadership election could significantly influence party members’ voting behavior. We therefore ask that you report based on verified facts, and we reserve the right to take appropriate measures if necessary.”

When the office of Election Management Committee Chairman Ichiro Aisawa was asked for comment, the LDP responded:

“We are not aware of the facts described in your inquiry, so the chairman will refrain from commenting. The Election Management Committee has asked all candidates to conduct their campaigns in accordance with party rules, leadership election regulations, and committee decisions. We will continue working to ensure a fair and impartial leadership election.”

While every camp claims to practice a money-free campaign amid the shadow of the political slush fund scandal, it’s clear that Koizumi’s team is an exception.

In the previous leadership race, for example, during lunch breaks, the Ishiba camp ate Ringer Hut’s sara udon, and the Takaichi team had delivery fried chicken bento boxes while making nonstop phone calls to LDP members. Meanwhile, Koizumi’s team was dining on luxury bento boxes from Jojoen, KINTAN, and Hotel New Otani.

Koizumi often repeats in the leadership debates that he wants to address the frustrations of ordinary people struggling with rising prices.

But perhaps, before anything else, he should take a hard look at his own money-soaked political style.